A Study of Jude...Page 1 of 8. A Study of Jude

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1 A Study of Jude...Page 1 of 8 A Study of Jude I. Outline. 1. Address to the called out (Jude 1-2). 2. Motivation to urge them to contend for the faith (3). 3. Occasion (4-16). 1) The grace of God is being turned into lasciviousness (4). 2) Men are even denying the Christ (4). 3) Believers may fall, even as in the past (5-7). 4) Creatures without reason are unrestrained; they have no respect for sacred things (8-11). 5) Their lives are empty, fruitless, purposeless (12-13). 6) As Enoch prophesied, God will execute judgment upon such characters (14-15). 7) These complainers walk after their lusts (16). 4. Exhortation (17-23). 1) Remember the warning with regard to mockers (17-19). 2) Keep yourselves in the love of God (20-21). 3) Act judiciously: deal with each case individually (22-23). 5. Doxology praise to God (24-25). [From Joseph W. White, Minister s Monthly, Nov/1962, p. 147]. II. III. IV. Summary. Jude writes his epistle, identifying himself simply as a servant of Jesus and brother of James. He intended to write about the common salvation, but evidently had some word that there were great threats to the brethren from false teachers and he changed his subject matter to contending earnestly for the faith. This plain statement of verse 3 helps us to KNOW that the faith is not presently being revealed, but has already been revealed in the past. Jude calls to their remembrance events of the past to urge them to be cautious and faithful. He provides vivid descriptions of false teachers as a motivation for the faithful to use great caution. He exhorts the brethren to remember, build themselves up, keep themselves in the love of God, and pray. He concludes with one of the most beautiful doxologies ever written. Chronology. BIBLE PERIOD: The Period of the Church. If you are not familiar with the 15 Bible Periods, please click here: Words/Phrases to Study Jude 1 AND PRESERVED IN JESUS CHRIST But someone may object and say, But the Bible says that the Christian is preserved in Christ (Jude 1:1). One need only read the rest of the book of Jude to see that this preservation is conditional. In verse 21, Jude admonishes those preserved in Christ to keep themselves in the love of God. Therefore, one is preserved in Christ so long as he continues to abide in Christ. However, if he becomes a Demas and deserts the Lord, and His cause, he will not be preserved, but rather, severed, gathered and burned (2 Tim. 4:10; John 15:6) [B.J. Clarke, The Necessity of Abiding in Christ, in The Searcher]. Jude 3 EARNESTLY CONTEND The original word for contend earnestly occurs nowhere else in the New Testament; and its literal meaning is to fight for, involving a vigorous, intense, determined struggle to defeat the opposition [Wuest: cf., Ph 1:27]. The faith of the gospel must be preserved; for no other revelation will be given. This is a strong motive for resisting all the

2 A Study of Jude...Page 2 of 8 enemies of the Lord s purpose and plan for his people [Teacher s Annual Lesson Commentary, 1971, p. 343]. THE FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE DELIVERED UNTO THE SAINTS The faith, the system of things to be believed, obeyed, and taught, has been fully delivered. The word "once" in the KJV means "once for all," and is translated that way in the NKJV as well as other Bible versions. It is critical that we understand Jude's words here. The faith had already been delivered in its completeness. It was a past event, though with continual application. This means that there was nothing else that could be added to "the faith." It would never be changed. Everything that was needed for life and godliness had already been delivered (II Peter 1: 3). The whole counsel of God had been declared (Acts 20: 27). You might ask yourself, Why is that so important? It is important because some people have sought to change the faith which was once and for all time delivered to the saints [Cobb, Bradley ( ). Fight for the Faith: A Study of the Letter from Jude (Cobb Commentaries) (Kindle Locations ). Cobb Publishing. Kindle Edition]. Jude 4... LASCIVIOUSNESS The people whom Jude speaks about were apparently teaching the antinomian doctrine that, for the Christian, there is no law to follow. This means that nothing you do after becoming a Christian can be considered a sin. The logical conclusion of this doctrine (which is the same basic idea of once saved, always saved ) is that once you become a Christian, you can sin to your heart's content and still go to heaven. What utter sacrilegious nonsense! This problem that Jude describes was also dealt with by the apostle Paul. Romans 6: 1-2 says, "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid! How can we who are dead to sin live any longer therein?" Some people had the idea that the more you sin, the more of God s grace you get to have: therefore, keep sinning so God can bless you! These false teachers were using God s grace as an excuse to indulge in lasciviousness. This word appears multiple times in the New Testament, but many people just read over it without bothering to ask what does this word mean? One Greek dictionary defines the word as unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence [Thayer s]. Webster s 1828 dictionary described it as (1) looseness... indulgence of animal desires... (2) the tendency to excite lust and promote irregular indulgences. The first of Webster s meanings involves action by someone. The second involves causing those thoughts in others. So, what would lasciviousness include? (1) Any sexual conduct or activity with someone other than one s own spouse (including all homosexual relationships); (2) Lusting after someone other than one s own spouse; (3) Most modern dances; (4) Tight-fitting or revealing clothing (aka immodest clothing, 1 Timothy 2.9). Some people might argue that if someone looks at a woman wearing a low-cut blouse, it is the one looking who is in sin. However, the sin of lasciviousness is also committed by the one who causes such thoughts. If a woman wears clothing that shows off parts of her body, she is causing those thoughts in others, and is just as guilty of sin. Lasciviousness is one of the things which will keep a person out of heaven (Galatians ). Thus, this topic is one of eternal importance! [Bradley Cobb, Locations 410ff]. Jude 6... ANGELS WHICH KEPT NOT THEIR FIRST ESTATE Bradley Cobb makes a good argument that the word ANGELS here should be translated, rather than transliterated. Sometimes this word does refer to angels, but the basic meaning of the term is simply MESSENGER. There is much that goes against the interpretation that this passage is describing the sin and subsequent fall of heavenly angels, including Satan: (1) First, if this were speaking of a historical event, where is it recorded?... (2) Secondly, Satan is never mentioned in Jude (3) Thirdly, it is freely admitted by most that Satan is still active and has been since the Garden of Eden (1 Peter 5.8). So, in what way could Satan and his minions be bound in everlasting chains awaiting judgment?... First estate is the word arche, which means beginning or primary or chief. The word is translated principality in the American Standard Version. This is describing messengers of God who were not content with their primary duty of speaking for Him. This was their primary function, but unlike the faithful prophets Jeremiah, Isaiah, and others, these messengers of God decided that serving God wasn t worth it. [Bradley Cobb, Locations 473ff].

3 A Study of Jude...Page 3 of 8 Jude 7 GIVING THEMSELVES OVER TO FORNICATION Jude, an inspired New Testament writer, explicitly identified homosexual conduct as a form of fornication. Regarding the antique cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, the sacred author notes that the men of Sodom, etc., gave themselves over to fornication (ekporneuo intensive sexual activity), pursuing strange [heteros] flesh (v. 7) [Wayne Jackson, ]. Jude 8, 16 Among the numerous examples in Scripture, which indicate a lack of respect for God s authority, one of the most specific descriptions is recorded by the inspired pens of Peter and Jude. After observing that God knows how to reserve the ungodly unto judgment to be punished, Peter describes the ungodly as "them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities" (2 Pet. 2:10). Jude described them as those who "despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words" (Jude 8, 16). According to Thayer s Greek-English Lexicon, the word for "despise" in these passages comes from a Greek word which means to disdain, to think little or nothing of. These men regarded all authority with contempt, whether civil or divine, and they did not hesitate to speak evil of dignitaries, i.e., men of exalted rank, men in places of authority. In short, they cast off all the restraints of law; they wanted to rule their own lives. Consequently, they deliberately pursued the fulfillment of the lust of their flesh. Unfortunately, a lack of respect for authority, and the sinful actions which result from such an attitude, was not confined to these men. As you will see, our culture is also guilty of a loss of respect toward God [B.J. Clarke, Do You Respect God? (2), in The Searcher]. Jude 9 The evidence points very clearly to Michael, the highest messenger of God who is as God being another name of Jesus Christ, the highest messenger of God who is actually deity [Bradley Cobb, Locations 623ff]. DISPUTED ABOUT THE BODY OF MOSES-- This is a reference to Zechariah There, the Angel of the Lord (a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ) stood in front of Joshua, the Jewish high priest. Joshua, in this vision, was representative of the entire Jewish nation Standing in the vision, as well, was Satan, who was accusing Joshua. When Satan began his accusations, the Angel of the Lord said to him, The Lord rebuke thee, Satan. How could this be disputing about the body of Moses? When most people read this verse, they think Jude is talking about the literal body of Moses that God killed at Mt. Nebo (Deuteronomy 33). But there is nothing in the Scriptures that describes anything even remotely like someone arguing over the physical body of Moses. After all, God killed Moses and then buried him in a place no one knew. So, what is the body of Moses?... Given that Jude is making reference to Zechariah 3, the body of Moses would be the Jewish people. They are the body of people who followed Moses teachings.... The whole point of Jude bringing up this example is to show the contrast between Christ and these false teachers. He had just finished saying that the present false teachers were speaking evil of dignities (God s chosen leaders). In fact, given the information here, they were making railing accusations against them [Bradley Cobb, Locations 623ff]. Jude 14 Did Jude quote from the apocryphal Book of Enoch? Wayne Jackson has written an article with this title: Jude PRAYING IN THE HOLY GHOST Since there is no definite article in Greek, then what Jude is actually saying is that Christians are to be praying in (or with) A holy spirit (note the lowercase letters). It is the same as lifting up holy hands in prayer (1 Timothy 2.8). Christians are to pray with the spirit the right attitude; and the understanding according to God s word (1 Corinthians 14.15) [Bradley Cobb, Location 1008ff]. Jude KEEP YOURSELVES IN THE LOVE OF GOD Not our love of God, but His love of us. Consequently it is not the case that the three great Christian virtues Faith, Hope, and Charity are inculcated here, although at first sight we are tempted to think so. God s love is the region in

4 A Study of Jude...Page 4 of 8 which those who are built up on faith, and supported by prayer, may continually dwell [Alfred Plummer, The General Epistle of Jude, A Bible Commentary for English Readers, Editor: Charles Ellicott, an e-sword Module]. Jude 22 AND OF SOME HAVE COMPASSION There are various classes of humanity, and vastly different attitudes toward religion manifested by those of the same class, thus our approach to them must be influenced by the attitude characteristic of them [Guy N. Woods, A Commentary on Jude, p. 405]. Jude AND OTHERS SAVE WITH FEAR, PULLING THEM OUT OF THE FIRE That is, by appeals adapted to produce fear. The idea seems to be that the arguments on which they relied were to be drawn from the dangers of the persons referred to, or from the dread of future wrath. It is undoubtedly true, that while there is a class of persons who can be won to embrace religion by mild and gentle persuasion, there is another class who can be aroused only by the terrors of the law. Every method is to be employed, in its proper place, that we by all means may save some. [Barnes Notes]. V. Lessons & Applications. Book of Jude... These lessons are from Roy H. Lanier, Sr., Editor, Teacher s Annual Lesson Commentary, 1957, p False teachers have always plagued the church and made it difficult for honest people to be sure what they must do to be saved and how to worship and serve God faithfully. 2. All false teachers, whether honest or dishonest, rob people of eternal life and fail themselves to inherit eternal life. Hence, the importance of knowing the will of the Lord and teaching it correctly to others. 3. The most important duty of any Christian is to keep himself in the love of God. To do this we must obey God. So, the most important thing in life is to know the will of God and to be sure that we do the will of God faithfully unto the end. EARNESTLY CONTEND FOR THE FAITH (Jude 3). Because of the great value and importance of this body of doctrine, we must not allow it to be disregarded, twisted, or abandoned....the FAITH WHICH WAS ONCE DELIVERED UNTO THE SAINTS (Jude 3). The Standard Baptist Manual, by Edward Hiscox, says: in the Apostolic Age the baptism of a convert by that very act constituted him a member of the church, and at once endowed him with all the rights and privileges of full membership. In that sense, baptism was the door into the church. Now it is different (pg 22). (emphasis added). There are people who claim to have had modern-day revelations, but these contradict the faith which is once for all delivered to the saints. Ellen G. White claimed a modern-day revelation which said true Christians worship on the Sabbath. But that contradicts the faith which has been delivered (see 1 Corinthians 16: 1-2, Acts 20: 7). Joseph Smith claimed many modern-day revelations, and among them was one which said you could be baptized in order to forgive the sins of people who were already dead. But that contradicts the faith which has been delivered (Mark 16.16) [Cobb, Bradley ( ). Fight for the Faith: A Study of the Letter from Jude (Cobb Commentaries) (Kindle Locations ). Cobb Publishing. Kindle Edition]. I WILL THEREFORE PUT IN REMEMBRANCE (Jude 5 and 11). The powerful use of examples; the importance of remembering mistakes of others made in the past; value of Old Testament study. BUT YE, BELOVED (Jude 17). We must differentiate ourselves from those who would walk after their own ungodly lusts! AND OTHERS SAVE WITH FEAR (Jude 23). It is not wrong to use fear as motivation to do the right thing... pulling them out of the fire stresses the importance of teaching VI. Questions. True or False

5 A Study of Jude...Page 5 of The word PRESERVED in verse 1 needs to be understood in relationship to the word KEEP in verse Jude originally intended to write regarding a different subject matter. 03. Enoch prophesied. 04. The name BALAAM is found in eight Bible books, but we first read of him in the Book of Joshua. 05. The false teachers Jude warns about came in secretly. Multiple Choice (Select the BEST Answer) 06. Of how many instances of God s judgment against disobedience does Jude put the brethren in remembrance: (a) seven; (b) three; (c) one. 07. Which of the following descriptions is NOT mentioned as applying to the ones whom the apostles had warned about: (a) sensual; (b) having not the Spirit; (c) weak; (d) all of these. 08. We are urged to save some with fear, the other approach suggested was with: (a) charm; (b) compassion; (c) concern. 09. Having saved the children of Israel out of Egypt, the Lord then did what to the unbelievers: (a) punished them; (b) destroyed them; (c) converted them. 10. How many things are mentioned as being multiplied: (a) three; (b) six; (c) nine. Fill in the Blanks 11. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with of his saints. 12. Keep yourselves in the of remember ye the words which were spoken before of the of our Lord Jesus Christ. 14. Likewise also these filthy defile the flesh, despise, and speak of dignities. 15. Jude was the brother of. Each Question is worth 7 Points My Score is: ANSWERS to Jude Questions 01 True; 02 True (3); 03 True (14); 04 False (Numbers 22.5); 05 True (4); 06 b (5-7); 07 c (19); 08 b (22); 09 b (5); 10 a (2); 11 prophesied, ten, thousands (14); 12 love, God (21); 13 apostles (17); 14 dreamers, dominion, evil (8); 15 Hanes (1).

6 A Study of Jude...Page 6 of 8 VII. Seek-A-Word Puzzle. The words may be backwards, diagonal, upside down, etc. See if you can find them all. The more you use the words of the Bible, the greater blessed you will be! You might be surprised at how much this little exercise will help you retain important truths. THANK YOU for the good effort you are putting forth in Bible study. DRL ALSO BELOVED CHRIST CONTEND DARKNESS COMINION ETERNAL EVEN EVIL FAITH FEAST FIRE FLESH GREAT HAVING JESUS JUDGMENT LORD LOVE MERCY ONCE ONLY RESERVED SAINTS SAVE SPEAK SPOTS THERE UNGODLY WALK

7 A Study of Jude...Page 7 of 8 VIII. Crossword Puzzle. Jude (KJV) ACROSS 01) Listed with majesty, dominion, and power. 05) Sodom & Gomorrha gave themselves over to it. 08)...for they have gone in the way of... 09) And others save with. 10) The seventh from Adam. 12) The false teachers would speak evil of. 13) The Lord saved His people out of this land. DOWN 02) A kind of accusation mentioned. 03)...clouds they are without... 04) Jude writes about the of eternal fire. 06) Jude hoped to put his readers in. 07) To whom THE FAITH was once delivered. 08) Modifies salvation. 11) I will therefore in remembrance.

8 A Study of Jude...Page 8 of 8 IX. Links. for JUDE These links are to the writings of men and not to inspired Scripture, thus care and caution in weighing the conclusions is always wise. Some are not really links, but listing of material commonly available in books and publications. Burton Coffman s Commentary on Jude Albert Barnes, Barnes Notes on the Whole Bible, on Jude Joseph Benson s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, on Jude Robertson s Word Pictures in the New Testament, on Jude Vincent s Word Studies on Jude Collection of notes published by Bradley S. Cobb (from notes in his classes at the Bible Institute of Missouri) available, as an e-sword module, for $5.00 online at: